Communication apparatus for wirelessly communicating with another apparatus, information processing method, and program

ABSTRACT

A communication apparatus includes a first communication unit that communicates with a terminal apparatus using a first communication method, a second communication unit that communicates with a server apparatus using a second communication method different from the first communication method, a reception unit that controls receiving update information from the server apparatus in a case where the communication apparatus can communicate with the server apparatus via the second communication unit, an update unit that performs an update process for updating the communication apparatus using the update information, and a progress management unit that controls transmitting a progress status of a process regarding the update information to the terminal apparatus.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus forwirelessly communicating with another apparatus, an informationprocessing method, and a program.

Description of the Related Art

In some instances, to update firmware of a general electronic device, auser has to download the newest firmware from the Internet. At thattime, the user needs to perform an operation for downloading thefirmware through a menu screen of the device. In, for example, a digitalcamera and the like, it is necessary to temporarily save the firmware ina recording medium of a personal computer (PC) and then install thefirmware on the digital camera, which is a cumbersome procedure. Inrecent years, mobile terminal apparatuses have been widely used, and thefirmware can be easily downloaded from a server on the Internet. Thus,it is easier to update the firmware than before by utilizing a terminalapparatus. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-243247discusses a technique for downloading firmware from a server on anetwork to a terminal apparatus and updating a video device via apredetermined cable for a wired connection.

In a case where a user operates a terminal apparatus to update thefirmware of a communication apparatus such as a camera, the user cannotcheck, on the terminal apparatus, the progress status of an update ofthe firmware in the communication apparatus.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a communicationapparatus includes a first communication unit configured to communicatewith a terminal apparatus using a first communication method, a secondcommunication unit configured to communicate with a server apparatususing a second communication method different from the firstcommunication method, a reception unit configured to perform control toreceive update information from the server apparatus in a case where thecommunication apparatus can communicate with the server apparatus viathe second communication unit, an update unit configured to perform anupdate process for updating the communication apparatus using the updateinformation, and a progress management unit configured to performcontrol to transmit a progress status of a process regarding the updateinformation to the terminal apparatus.

Further features will become apparent from the following description ofexemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an entire update system according to afirst exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of acamera.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a memory map of anon-volatile memory.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an update control process.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the update control process.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are diagrams illustrating examples of displayscreens displayed on a terminal apparatus.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are diagrams illustrating examples of displayscreens displayed on the camera.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating an update control processaccording to a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the update control processaccording to the second exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams illustrating examples of displayscreens displayed on a terminal apparatus.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C are diagrams illustrating examples of displayscreens displayed on a camera.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an update control processaccording to a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screendisplayed on a terminal apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an update control processaccording to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments will be described below based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an entire update system according to afirst exemplary embodiment. The update system updates firmware of acamera 100 as an example of a communication apparatus. This firmware isinformation used to update the camera 100 and is an example of updateinformation. In one example, one user owns the camera 100 and a mobileterminal apparatus 110. The user can operate the camera 100 whileviewing information displayed on a display unit 103 of the camera 100,and can operate the terminal apparatus 110 while viewing informationdisplayed on a display unit 113 of the terminal apparatus 110. Both thecamera 100 and the terminal apparatus 110 can communicate with a serverapparatus 130 via a wireless access point (AP) 120 located near thecamera 100 and the terminal apparatus 110. The camera 100 and theterminal apparatus 110 can perform short-range wireless communicationaccording to Bluetooth® compliant with the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15 standard. The server apparatus 130manages the firmware of the camera 100 and provides new firmware to thecamera 100.

A second communication unit 102 of the camera 100 and a secondcommunication unit 112 of the terminal apparatus 110 are interfaces forperforming wireless local area network (LAN) communication compliantwith the IEEE 802.11 standard (hereinafter referred to as “Wi-Fi”®), forexample. The camera 100 can wirelessly communicate with the AP 120 usingWi-Fi®. The camera 100 can transmit and receive data to and from theserver apparatus 130 on the Internet 140 via the AP 120 using an upperlayer protocol such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol(TCP/IP). The camera 100 can also communicate with the terminalapparatus 110 via the AP 120.

A first communication unit 101 of the camera 100 and a firstcommunication unit 111 of the terminal apparatus 110 perform theshort-range wireless communication according to Bluetooth® compliantwith the IEEE 802.15 standard, for example. The camera 100 and theterminal apparatus 110 can wirelessly communicate with each otherthrough the Bluetooth® communication. This Bluetooth communication usesBluetooth® Low Energy. In Bluetooth® Low Energy communication, a rangewhere communication can be performed is smaller (i.e., a distance atwhich communication can be performed is shorter) than that in Wi-Fi®communication. A communication speed of the Bluetooth® Low Energycommunication is slower than that of the Wi-Fi® communication. TheBluetooth® Low Energy communication is characterized by having lowerpower consumption than the Wi-Fi® communication. As described above, thefirst communication unit 101 and the second communication unit 102 ofthe camera 100 communicate using different communication methods.Similarly, the first communication unit 111 and the second communicationunit 112 of the terminal apparatus 110 also communicate using differentcommunication methods.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the camera 100. Accordingto an input signal or a program described below, a control unit 200controls components of the camera 100. The control unit 200 is a centralprocessing unit (CPU), for example. A non-volatile memory 202 is anelectrically erasable and recordable non-volatile memory and storesvarious types of data, various programs, and the like. A function andprocessing of the camera 100 are achieved by the control unit 200reading a program stored in the non-volatile memory 202 and executingthe program. Alternatively, as another example, the first communicationunit 101 may read a program stored in a recording medium 208 such as aSecure Digital (SD) card instead of the non-volatile memory 202. Asstill yet another example, the camera 100 may include a plurality ofcontrol units and a plurality of non-volatile memories, and at least apart of the processing of the camera 100 described below may be achievedby cooperation of the plurality of control units and the plurality ofnon-volatile memories. And as still yet another example, at least a partof the processing of the camera 100 may be achieved using a hardwarecircuit other than the control unit 200.

The non-volatile memory 202 includes four areas, including a first area202 a, a second area 202 b, a third area 202 c, and a fourth area 202 d.The first area 202 a is an area for firmware other than that forBluetooth® Low Energy. The second area 202 b is an area for secondfirmware for the Bluetooth® Low Energy communication. The third area 202c is an area for first firmware for the Bluetooth® Low Energycommunication. In this case, the firmware of the Bluetooth® Low Energycommunication includes both a driver portion for performing theBluetooth® Low Energy communication with an opposing device and aninterface for communicating with the control unit 200. The fourth area202 d is an area for other firmware unrelated to a normal operation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a memory map of thenon-volatile memory 202. In the memory map, “normal operation firmware”is an area for firmware that operates when the camera 100 is normallyused. The “normal operation firmware” includes operation firmware for animaging system, operation firmware for a display system, andcommunication firmware for communication with an external device. The“normal operation firmware” also includes operation firmware for theWi-Fi® communication and operation firmware for the Bluetooth® LowEnergy communication. The “normal operation firmware” corresponds to thefirst area 202 a and the second area 202 b. The “firmware for firmwareupdate operation” includes not only operation firmware to be used whenthe firmware is updated and operation firmware for displaying a screenwhen the firmware is updated, but also operation firmware for theBluetooth® Low Energy communication. The “firmware for firmware updateoperation” includes the third area 202 c and the fourth area 202 d. Ifthe user selects the update of the firmware, the “firmware for firmwareupdate operation” starts operating according to “firmware update flagdetermination” and operates so as to rewrite all the “normal operationfirmware” portion. At this time, since the third area 202 c is alsoincluded in the “firmware for firmware update operation”, the Bluetooth®Low Energy communication can be performed even during the update of thefirmware.

Regarding firmware for the Bluetooth® Low Energy, the second area 202 bis copied to the third area 202 c at a timing when a power supply isturned off or on, whereby it is also possible to keep the firmware inthe third area 202 c up-to-date. In this case, the second area 202 b isassigned to the “normal operation firmware”, and the third area 202 c isassigned to the “firmware for firmware update operation”. Alternatively,every time the firmware is written, the second area 202 b and the thirdarea 202 c may be switched by assigning the second area 202 b to the“firmware for firmware update operation” and the third area 202 c to the“normal operation firmware”.

Referring back to FIG. 2, an image capturing unit 201 performs thefollowing process. In a case where an optical image of an object isformed by a lens included in the image capturing unit 201, the imagecapturing unit 201 converts the optical image of the object into anelectric signal, performs a noise reduction process on the electricsignal, and outputs digital data as image data. The captured image datais stored in a buffer memory, then the control unit 200 performs apredetermined calculation on the image data, and records it in therecording medium 208. A work memory 203 is used, for example, as abuffer memory for temporarily holding the image data captured by theimage capturing unit 201, an image display memory for the display unit103, and a work area for the control unit 200.

An operation unit 204 is used by the user to input an instruction to thecamera 100. The operation unit 204 includes operation members such as apower button for the user to give an instruction to turn on or off thecamera 100, a release switch for the user to give an instruction tocapture an image, and a reproduction button for the user to give aninstruction to reproduce image data. The operation unit 204 alsoincludes a touch panel formed on the display unit 103. The releaseswitch includes switches SW1 and SW2. The release switch enters a halfpressed state, thereby turning on the switch SW1. With this operation,the operation unit 204 receives an instruction to make image capturingpreparations for an autofocus (AF) process, an automatic exposure (AE)process, an automatic white balance (AWB) process, and a pre-flashprocess. The release switch enters a full pressed state, thereby turningon the switch SW2. With this operation, the operation unit 204 receivesan instruction to capture an image.

The display unit 103 displays a viewfinder image when an image iscaptured, displays captured image data, and displays characters for aninteractive operation. The display unit 103 does not necessarily need tobe included in the camera 100. The camera 100 only needs to be capableof connecting to the display unit 103 and at least have a displaycontrol function for controlling display of the display unit 103.Similarly, the terminal apparatus 110 includes the display unit 113.

A power supply control unit 206 controls supply of power to thecomponents of the camera 100. In the present exemplary embodiment, adescription is provided taking as an example a case where a power supply207, which is an attachable and detachable battery, is employed as apower supply source. The present disclosure, however, is not limited tothis. For example, the configuration may be such that the power isobtained external to the camera 100 via an alternating current (AC)adapter. The recording medium 208 can record an image output from theimage capturing unit 201. The recording medium 208 may be configured tobe attachable to and detachable from the camera 100, or may be built inthe camera 100. More specifically, the camera 100 only needs to have atleast a method for accessing the recording medium 208. A first antenna209 is an antenna for Bluetooth® Low Energy (the first communicationunit 101). A second antenna 210 is an antenna for Wi-Fi® (the secondcommunication unit 102). Alternatively, the first antenna 209 and thesecond antenna 210 may be combined into a single antenna, or two firstantennas 209 and two second antennas 210 may be provided. At least oneantenna only needs to be provided.

At a place within reach of radio waves of a public telephone network orWi-Fi®, the terminal apparatus 110 can always connect to the Internet140 and can also access the server apparatus 130, in which the firmwareof the camera 100 is placed. In terms of consumption of the battery, itis unrealistic to always leave the camera 100 communicating throughWi-Fi®. Thus, to check whether the firmware is updated, the camera 100needs to take the trouble to connect to the server apparatus 130. Inview of the characteristics of these two devices, the following processis desirable. The terminal apparatus 110 accesses the server apparatus130 to check whether the firmware of the camera 100 is updated. Then,the terminal apparatus 110 notifies the camera 100 of informationregarding an update of the firmware through the Bluetooth® Low Energycommunication, through which the terminal apparatus 110 can alwaysconnect to the camera 100 and which consumes low power. Then, the camera100 downloads the firmware. When the camera 100 downloads the firmware,it is desirable that the camera 100 use Wi-Fi®, through which the camera100 can communicate at high speed and can communicate with an accesspoint that enables the camera 100 to connect to the Internet 140.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are sequence diagrams illustrating an update controlprocess performed by the update system. The update control process isinformation processing for downloading firmware as described above.FIGS. 6A to 6D are diagrams illustrating examples of display screensdisplayed on the terminal apparatus 110 in the update control process.FIGS. 7A to 7D are diagrams illustrating examples of display screensdisplayed on the camera 100 in the update control process. When theprocessing is started, the Bluetooth® Low Energy communication betweenthe camera 100 and the terminal apparatus 110 is in an on state. Theprocesses of the camera 100 in the update control process are achievedby the control unit 200 of the camera 100 reading a program stored inthe non-volatile memory 202 and executing the program. Similarly, theprocesses of the terminal apparatus 110 and the server apparatus 130 inthe update control process are achieved by control units of the terminalapparatus 110 and the server apparatus 130 reading programs stored innon-volatile memories and executing the programs.

First, in step S401, the camera 100 starts transmitting an advertisingpacket. Transmission of the advertising packet is a connection waitingoperation in which a packet including connection information istransmitted by broadcasting to many and unspecified devices, and any ofthese devices as a connection destination receives the packet, therebyenabling a connection. When the camera 100 is in this state, and if anoperation for connecting the terminal apparatus 110 to the camera 100 isperformed, the terminal apparatus 110 performs a scan operation fordetecting the advertising packet. If detecting the advertising packet,the terminal apparatus 110 transmits a wireless connection request toshift to a connection state. The camera 100 receives the wirelessconnection request, and the camera 100 and the terminal apparatus 110perform a wireless connection operation (hereinafter referred to as“pairing”). By this series of pairing operations, the camera 100 isalways capable of connecting to the terminal apparatus 110 and therebycan immediately respond to an instruction from the terminal apparatus110. Even if the connection is temporarily disconnected, since thecamera 100 stores information of the connection partner, the camera 100can automatically connect to the connection partner if detecting theconnection partner again.

Next, in step S402, the camera 100 transmits firmware versioninformation to the terminal apparatus 110. The firmware versioninformation is information of the firmware version and the like of thecamera 100 at the time of a process of step S402. If receiving thefirmware version information, the terminal apparatus 110 records thefirmware version information in a management table provided in anon-volatile memory 202 of the terminal apparatus 110. The firmwareversion information may be temporarily held only during the pairing.Next, in step S403, the terminal apparatus 110 wirelessly connects tothe server apparatus 130. This connection method may be any method forenabling a connection such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). Next, in stepS404, the terminal apparatus 110 receives firmware presence/absenceinformation indicating whether firmware (hereinafter referred to as “newfirmware”) newer than the firmware of the camera 100 and correspondingto the camera 100 is present. The server apparatus 130 may transmit thefirmware presence/absence information to the terminal apparatus 110based on the server apparatus 130 being wirelessly connected to theterminal apparatus 110. Alternatively, as another example, the serverapparatus 130 may transmit the firmware presence/absence information inresponse to an inquiry from the terminal apparatus 110.

Next, in step S405, based on the firmware presence/absence information,the terminal apparatus 110 checks presence or absence of the newfirmware. If it is determined that the new firmware is present (YES instep S405), the processing proceeds to step S406. If it is determinedthat the new firmware is not present (NO in step S405), the updatecontrol process ends. In step S406, the terminal apparatus 110 transmitsfirmware information of the new firmware to the camera 100. The firmwareinformation of the new firmware includes information indicating thepresence of the new firmware, and information of a storage location andthe like of the new firmware.

If receiving the firmware information of the new firmware in step S406,in step S407, the camera 100 activates Wi-Fi®. Then, the camera 100wirelessly connects to the server apparatus 130 via the AP 120. Thecamera 100 stores Service Set Identifier (SSID) information of the AP120 in advance in the non-volatile memory 202 and the like. If detectingthe SSID of the AP 120 from beacon information of the AP 120, the camera100 connects to the AP 120. Then, the camera 100 connects to the serverapparatus 130 via the AP 120. The camera 100 determines whether thecamera 100 has connected to the server apparatus 130 via the AP 120. Ifthe AP 120 is not found, the camera 100 sets a timeout and the like, andthe processing ends. If the camera 100 checks connection with the serverapparatus 130, the processing proceeds to step S408. The wirelessconnection between the camera 100 and the server apparatus 130 onlyneeds to be completed before the process of step S408, and may beexecuted at an earlier timing such as a timing of the process of stepS401. The process of step S407 is an example of a communicationmanagement process for performing control to enable the server apparatus130 and the second communication unit 102 to communicate with each otherin a case where the camera 100 receives, from the terminal apparatus110, information that the new firmware as update information is presentin the server apparatus 130.

In step S408, the camera 100 transmits, to the terminal apparatus 110, aconnection completion notification that the connection with the serverapparatus 130 is completed. Next, in step S409, the camera 100 performscontrol to display a download screen on the display unit 103. Thisdownload screen is a screen for receiving, from the user, an instructionwhether to receive the new firmware and record in the recording medium208. A processing order of steps S408 and S409 is not limited to that inthe exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, step S408 may be executed afterstep S409, or steps S408 and S409 may be simultaneously executed. Ifreceiving the connection completion notification in step S408, in stepS410, the terminal apparatus 110 performs control to display a downloadscreen on the display unit 113. Similar to the download screen displayedin step S409, this download screen is a screen for receiving, from theuser, an instruction whether to download the new firmware of the camera100 to the recording medium 208 of the camera 100.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a download screen 601,which is displayed on the display unit 113 of the terminal apparatus 110in step S410. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a downloadscreen 701, which is displayed on the display unit 103 of the camera 100in step S409. If a user operation for starting download is performed oneither of the download screens 601 and 701, the camera 100 and theterminal apparatus 110 display a progress status of the download to thecamera 100 on the display units 103 and 113, respectively. Specifically,the following processing is performed.

After the process of step S410, in step S411, the terminal apparatus 110checks whether the terminal apparatus 110 has received a download startinstruction according to the user operation. If it is determined thatthe terminal apparatus 110 has received the instruction (YES in stepS411), the processing proceeds to step S412. If it is determined thatthe terminal apparatus 110 has not received the instruction (NO in stepS411), the processing proceeds to step S416. In step S412, the terminalapparatus 110 transmits the download start instruction to the camera100. Then, the processing proceeds to step S416.

After the process of step S409, in step S413, the camera 100 checkswhether the camera 100 has received a download start instructionaccording to a user operation. If it is determined that the camera 100has received the instruction (YES in step S413), the processing proceedsto step S415. If it is determined that the camera 100 has not receivedthe instruction (NO in step S413), the processing proceeds to step S414.

In step S414, the camera 100 checks whether the camera 100 has receiveda download start instruction from the terminal apparatus 110. The startinstruction to be received in step S414 is transmitted in step S412 asdescribed above. If it is determined that the camera 100 has receivedthe start instruction (YES in step S414), the processing proceeds tostep S415. If it is determined that the camera 100 has not received thestart instruction (NO in step S414), the processing proceeds to stepS413. In step S415, the camera 100 transmits, to the terminal apparatus110, a start notification that the camera 100 is to start the download.Then, the processing proceeds to step S501 (FIG. 5). In step S416, theterminal apparatus 110 checks whether the terminal apparatus 110 hasreceived a start notification from the camera 100. If it is determinedthat the terminal apparatus 110 has received the start notification (YESin step S416), the processing proceeds to step S503 (FIG. 5). In stepS503, the terminal apparatus 110 waits until the terminal apparatus 110receives the progress status of the download. If it is determined thatthe terminal apparatus 110 has not received the start notification (NOin step S416), the processing proceeds to step S411.

In step S501 in FIG. 5, the camera 100 starts downloading the newfirmware from the server apparatus 130. The process of step S501 is anexample of a reception process for, in a case where the camera 100 cancommunicate with the server apparatus 130, performing control to receivethe new firmware as update information from the server apparatus 130.Next, in step S502, the camera 100 checks the progress status of thedownload. Then, in step S503, the camera 100 transmits the progressstatus of the download to the terminal apparatus 110 through theBluetooth® Low Energy communication. This process is an example of aprogress management process for performing control to transmit theprogress status of a process regarding the update information. Asdescribed above, the camera 100 starts transmitting progress informationat a timing when the camera 100 starts receiving the new firmware. Then,in step S504, the camera 100 performs control to display the progressstatus of the download on the display unit 103. By the process of stepS504, the display unit 103 displays a progress screen 702, which isillustrated in FIG. 7B. The progress screen 702 displays a progress barindicating the progress status.

Referring back to FIG. 5, after step S504, in step S505, the camera 100checks whether the download is completed. If it is determined that thedownload is completed (YES in step S505), the processing proceeds tostep S506. In step S506, the camera 100 transmits, to the terminalapparatus 110, a completion notification that the download is completed.In step S505, if it is determined that the download is not completed (NOin step S505), the processing proceeds to step S502. In step S502, thecamera 100 checks the progress status of the download again. In stepS503, the camera 100 transmits the progress status of the download. Instep S504, the camera 100 updates the display of the progress status ofthe download. Specifically, the camera 100 updates the display of theprogress bar. The camera 100 periodically repeats the processes of stepsS502 to S504 and thereby can continue transmitting the progressinformation and also sequentially update the display of the progressstatus on the progress screen 702.

If the progress status of the download is received in step S503, in stepS507, the terminal apparatus 110 performs control to display theprogress status of the download on the display unit 113. By the processof step S507, the display unit 113 displays a progress screen 602, whichis illustrated in FIG. 6B. The progress screen 602 displays a progressbar indicating the progress status. After the process of step S507, instep S508, the terminal apparatus 110 checks whether the terminalapparatus 110 has received a completion notification from the camera100. If it is determined that the terminal apparatus 110 has notreceived the completion notification (NO in step S508), the processingproceeds to step S503. In step S503, the terminal apparatus 110 waits toreceive the progress status from the camera 100. If receiving theprogress status, in step S507, the terminal apparatus 110 updates thedisplay of the progress status of the download. The terminal apparatus110 repeats steps S503 and S507 and thereby can sequentially update thedisplay of the progress status on the progress screen 602. If it isdetermined, in step S508, that the terminal apparatus 110 has receivedthe completion notification (YES in step S508), the terminal apparatus110 ends the display of the progress screen 602, and the processingproceeds to step S509.

In step S509, the terminal apparatus 110 indicates, on the display unit113, that the download is completed. Then, the terminal apparatus 110performs control to display an update screen. This update screen is ascreen for receiving, from the user, an instruction whether to executean update process for updating the firmware using the new firmwaredownloaded by the camera 100. FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating anexample of an update screen 603, which is displayed on the display unit113 of the terminal apparatus 110 in step S509. After the process ofstep S506, in step S510, the camera 100 also displays, on the displayunit 103, that the download is completed. Then, the camera 100 performscontrol to display an update screen. FIG. 7C is a diagram illustratingan example of an update screen 703, which is displayed on the displayunit 103 of the camera 100 in step S510.

If a user operation for starting an update is performed on either of theupdate screens 603 and 703, the camera 100 and the terminal apparatus110 display a progress status of the update process for updating thefirmware of the camera 100 on the display units 103 and 113,respectively. Specifically, the following processing is performed.

After the process of step S509, in step S511, the terminal apparatus 110checks whether the terminal apparatus 110 has received an update startinstruction based on the user operation. If it is determined that theterminal apparatus 110 has received the instruction (YES in step S511),the processing proceeds to step S512. If it is determined that theterminal apparatus 110 has not received the instruction (NO in stepS511), the processing proceeds to step S516. In step S512, the terminalapparatus 110 transmits the update start instruction to the camera 100.Then, the processing proceeds to step S516.

After the process of step S510, in step S513, the camera 100 checkswhether the camera 100 has received an update start instruction based onthe user operation. If it is determined that the camera 100 has receivedthe instruction (YES in step S513), the processing proceeds to stepS515. If it is determined that the camera 100 has not received theinstruction (NO in step S513), the processing proceeds to step S514. Instep S514, the camera 100 checks whether the camera 100 has received theupdate start instruction from the terminal apparatus 110. The startinstruction to be received in step S514 is transmitted in step S512 asdescribed above. If it is determined that the camera 100 has receivedthe start instruction (YES in step S514), the processing proceeds tostep S515. If it is determined that the camera 100 has not received thestart instruction (NO in step S514), the processing proceeds to stepS513. In step S515, the camera 100 transmits, to the terminal apparatus110, a start notification that the camera 100 is to start an update.Then, the processing proceeds to step S517.

In step S516, the terminal apparatus 110 checks whether the terminalapparatus 110 has received the start notification from the camera 100.If it is determined that the terminal apparatus 110 has received thestart notification (YES in step S516), the processing proceeds to stepS524. In step S524, the terminal apparatus 110 waits until the terminalapparatus 110 receives a progress status of the update. If the terminalapparatus 110 has not received the start notification (NO in step S516),the processing proceeds to step S511.

In step S517, to perform the update process for updating the firmware,the camera 100 disconnects the Wi-Fi® communication. Next, in step S518,the camera 100 starts the update process for updating the firmware usingthe new firmware. Next, in step S519, the camera 100 checks the progressstatus of the update process. Next, in step S520, the camera 100transmits the progress status of the update process to the terminalapparatus 110 through the Bluetooth® Low Energy communication. Next, instep S521, the camera 100 performs control to display the progressstatus of the update process on the display unit 103. By the process ofstep S521, the display unit 103 displays a progress screen 704, which isillustrated in FIG. 7D. The progress screen 704 displays a progress barindicating the progress status.

Referring back to FIG. 5, after step S521, in step S522, the camera 100checks whether the update process is completed. If it is determined thatthe update process is completed (YES in step S522), the processingproceeds to step S523. In step S523, the camera 100 transmits, to theterminal apparatus 110, a completion notification that the updateprocess is completed. Thus, the processing of the camera 100 ends. Asdescribed above, the camera 100 performs control to continuetransmitting the progress status of the update process until a timingwhen the update process is completed. If it is determined in step S522that the update process is not completed (NO in step S522), theprocessing proceeds to step S519. In this case, in step S519, the camera100 checks the progress status of the update process again. In stepS520, the camera 100 transmits the progress status of the updateprocess. In step S521, the camera 100 updates the display of theprogress status of the update process. Specifically, the camera 100updates the display of the progress bar. The camera 100 periodicallyrepeats the processes of steps S519 to S521 and thereby can sequentiallyupdate the display of the progress status on the progress screen 704.

If the progress status of the update process is received in step S520,in step S524, the terminal apparatus 110 performs control to display theprogress status of the update process on the display unit 113. By theprocess of step S524, the display unit 113 displays a progress screen604, which is illustrated in FIG. 6D. The progress screen 604 displays aprogress bar indicating the progress status. After the process of stepS524, in step S525, the terminal apparatus 110 checks whether theterminal apparatus 110 has received a completion notification from thecamera 100. If it is determined that the terminal apparatus 110 has notreceived the completion notification (NO in step S525), the processingproceeds to step S520. In step S520, the terminal apparatus 110 waits toreceive the progress status from the camera 100. If receiving theprogress status, in step S524, the terminal apparatus 110 updates thedisplay of the progress status of the update process. The terminalapparatus 110 repeats steps S520 and S524 and thereby can sequentiallyupdate the display of the progress status on the progress screen 604.

If it is determined in step S525 that the terminal apparatus 110 hasreceived the completion notification (YES in step S525), the terminalapparatus 110 ends the display of the progress screen 604, and theprocessing proceeds to step S526. In step S526, the terminal apparatus110 performs control to display, on the display unit 113, an updatecompletion screen indicating that the update process is completed. Next,in step S527, the terminal apparatus 110 records the firmwareinformation of the new firmware. Thus, the processing of the terminalapparatus 110 ends. On the download screens 601 and 701 and the updatescreens 603 and 703, options for cancellation may be prepared. Then, ifcancellation is selected, the download process or the update process mayend.

As described above, in the update system according to the presentexemplary embodiment, an instruction is provided to download or updatethe firmware using either the camera 100 or the terminal apparatus 110.The progress status of each process is displayed not only on the displayunit 103 of the camera 100 but also on the display unit 113 of theterminal apparatus 110. Thus, the user can check the progress statusregarding the update of the firmware on the terminal apparatus 110.According to the update system of the present exemplary embodiment, theuser can input an instruction to update the firmware and can check theprogress status of the update using only the terminal apparatus 110.More specifically, managing and updating the firmware of the camera 100can be accomplished via the terminal apparatus 110 without using thecamera 100 as long as pairing is performed between the camera 100 andthe terminal apparatus 110.

As a first modification of the first exemplary embodiment, only thedisplay unit 113 of the terminal apparatus 110 displays the downloadscreen, the update screen, the progress status of the download process,and the progress status of the update process.

Further, as a second modification, if the camera 100 has received thedownload start instruction, only the display unit 103 of the camera 100displays the progress status of the download, and the display unit 113of the terminal apparatus 110 does not display the progress status ofthe download. If the terminal apparatus 110 has received the downloadstart instruction, only the display unit 113 of the terminal apparatus110 displays the progress status of the download, and the display unit103 of the camera 100 does not display the progress status of thedownload. The user is less likely to check a screen of a device that isnot being operated by the user. Thus, in terms of power saving, only thedisplay unit of one of the devices displays the progress status.

As a third modification, without any need for an instruction from theuser and under a condition that the AP 120 is detected, the camera 100may automatically download and update the firmware.

As a fourth modification, if the camera 100 has received input of thestart instruction in step S413 in FIG. 4 or if the camera 100 hasreceived the start instruction in step S414 in FIG. 4, the processingmay proceed to step S501 without the camera 100 performing the processof step S415. In this case, in step S416 illustrated in FIG. 4, theterminal apparatus 110 may check whether the terminal apparatus 110 hasreceived the progress status of the download. Then, if the terminalapparatus 110 has received the progress status of the download, theprocessing may proceed to step S507. Also in steps S515 and S516,similar processes can be performed.

As a fifth modification, without any need for the input of the startinstruction to the camera 100 or the terminal apparatus 110 and under acondition that new firmware is present in the server apparatus 130, thecamera 100 may automatically start the download process or the updateprocess.

In an update system according to a second exemplary embodiment, firmwareis downloaded from the server apparatus 130 via the terminal apparatus110. For example, the update system according to the second exemplaryembodiment is suitable for a case where the camera 100 cannot find theAP 120. When the firmware is downloaded via the AP 120, the time untilan update of the firmware is shortened, while the AP 120 may not befound. In such a case, if the terminal apparatus 110 downloads thefirmware from the server apparatus 130 using a public telephone networkand the like, it is possible to perform processing to a point where thefirmware is locally saved. This further increases certainty.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are sequence diagrams illustrating an update controlprocess according to the second exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 10A to 10Care diagrams illustrating examples of display screens displayed on theterminal apparatus 110 in the update control process. FIGS. 11A to 11Care diagrams illustrating examples of display screens displayed on thecamera 100 in the update control process. Among processes in a downloadprocess illustrated in FIG. 8, processes similar to those in thedownload process according to the first exemplary embodiment describedwith reference to FIG. 4 are designated by the same numbers.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, after the terminal apparatus 110 transmits thefirmware information of the new firmware in step S406, the processingproceeds to step S410. In step S410, the terminal apparatus 110 performscontrol to display a download screen. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustratingan example of a download screen 1001, which is displayed on the displayunit 113 of the terminal apparatus 110 in step S410. After the camera100 receives the firmware information of the new firmware in step S406,the processing proceeds to step S409. In step S409, the camera 100performs control to display a download screen. FIG. 11A is a diagramillustrating an example of a download screen 1101, which is displayed onthe display unit 103 of the camera 100 in step S409. Alternatively, asanother example, the camera 100 may omit the display of the downloadscreen (step S409).

Next, if a start instruction is received on the download screen ofeither the camera 100 or the terminal apparatus 110, the terminalapparatus 110 starts the download. More specifically, after the processof step S409, in step S801, the camera 100 checks whether the camera 100has received a download start instruction based on a user operation. Ifit is determined that the camera 100 has received the instruction (YESin step S801), the processing proceeds to step S802. If it is determinedthat the camera 100 has not received the instruction (NO in step S801),the processing proceeds to step S806. In step S802, the camera 100transmits the download start instruction to the terminal apparatus 110.Then, the processing proceeds to step S806.

After the process of step S410, in step S803, the terminal apparatus 110checks whether the terminal apparatus 110 has received a download startinstruction based on a user operation. If it is determined that theterminal apparatus 110 has received the instruction (YES in step S803),the processing proceeds to step S805. If it is determined that theterminal apparatus 110 has not received the instruction (NO in stepS803), the processing proceeds to step S804. In step S804, the terminalapparatus 110 checks whether the terminal apparatus 110 has received adownload start instruction from the camera 100. If it is determined thatthe terminal apparatus 110 has received the start instruction (YES instep S804), the processing proceeds to step S805. If it is determinedthat the terminal apparatus 110 has not received the start instruction(NO in step S804), the processing proceeds to step S803. In step S805,the terminal apparatus 110 transmits, to the camera 100, a startnotification that the terminal apparatus 110 is to start the download.Then, the processing proceeds to step S901 (FIG. 9).

In step S806, the camera 100 checks whether the camera 100 has receiveda start notification from the terminal apparatus 110. If it isdetermined that the camera 100 has received the start notification (YESin step S806), the processing proceeds to step S903 (FIG. 9). In stepS903, the camera 100 waits until the camera 100 receives the progressstatus of the download. If the camera 100 has not received the startnotification (NO in step S806), the processing proceeds to step S801.

In step S901 in FIG. 9, the terminal apparatus 110 starts downloadingthe new firmware from the server apparatus 130. Next, in step S902, theterminal apparatus 110 checks the progress status of the download. Next,in step S903, the terminal apparatus 110 transmits the progress statusof the download to the camera 100 through the Bluetooth® Low Energycommunication. Next, in step S904, the terminal apparatus 110 performscontrol to display the progress status of the download on the displayunit 113. By the process of step S904, the display unit 113 of theterminal apparatus 110 displays the progress screen 602 in FIG. 6B.

Referring back to FIG. 9, after step S904, in step S905, the terminalapparatus 110 checks whether the download is completed. If it isdetermined that the download is completed (YES in step S905), theprocessing proceeds to step S906. In step S906, the terminal apparatus110 transmits, to the camera 100, a completion notification that thedownload is completed. If the download is not completed in step S905 (NOin step S905), the processing proceeds to step S902.

If the progress status of the download is received in step S903, in stepS907, the camera 100 performs control to display the progress status ofthe download on the display unit 103. Next, in step S908, the camera 100checks whether the camera 100 has received the completion notificationfrom the terminal apparatus 110. If it is determined that the camera 100has not received the completion notification (NO in step S908), theprocessing proceeds to step S903. If it is determined that the camera100 has received the completion notification (YES in step S908), thecamera 100 ends the display of the progress status, and the processingproceeds to step S909.

In step S909, the camera 100 wirelessly connects to the terminalapparatus 110 via the AP 120. During the pairing, the camera 100transmits in advance, to the terminal apparatus 110, SSID information ofthe AP 120 to which the camera 100 is to connect. If the terminalapparatus 110 detects the SSID of the AP 120 from beacon information ofthe AP 120, the terminal apparatus 110 connects to the AP 120. Theterminal apparatus 110 notifies the camera 100 that the terminalapparatus 110 has detected the AP 120 to which the camera 100 is toconnect. The camera 100 starts Wi-Fi® and connects to the terminalapparatus 110 via the AP 120.

Next, in step S910, the camera 100 performs control to display atransfer screen. This transfer screen is a screen for receiving aninstruction whether to receive the new firmware from the terminalapparatus 110 and record in the recording medium 208 of the camera 100.FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer screen 1102,which is displayed on the display unit 103 of the camera 100 in stepS910. After the process of step S909, in step S911, the terminalapparatus 110 also performs control to display a transfer screen. FIG.10B is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer screen 1002,which is displayed on the display unit 113 of the terminal apparatus 110in step S911.

Next, if a start instruction is received on the transfer screen ofeither the camera 100 or the terminal apparatus 110, the terminalapparatus 110 starts transferring the new firmware. That is, after theprocess of step S910, in step S912, the camera 100 checks whether thecamera 100 has received a transfer start instruction based on a useroperation. If it is determined that the camera 100 has received theinstruction (YES in step S912), the processing proceeds to step S913. Ifit is determined that the camera 100 has not received the instruction(NO in step S912), the processing proceeds to step S919. In step S913,the camera 100 transmits the transfer start instruction to the terminalapparatus 110. Then, the processing proceeds to step S919.

After the process of step S911, in step S914, the terminal apparatus 110checks whether the terminal apparatus 110 has received a transfer startinstruction based on a user operation. If it is determined that theterminal apparatus 110 has received the instruction (YES in step S914),the processing proceeds to step S916. If it is determined that theterminal apparatus 110 has not received the instruction (NO in stepS914), the processing proceeds to step S915. In step S915, the terminalapparatus 110 checks whether the terminal apparatus 110 has received atransfer start instruction from the camera 100. If it is determined thatthe terminal apparatus 110 has received the start instruction (YES instep S915), the processing proceeds to step S916. If it is determinedthat the terminal apparatus 110 has not received the start instruction(NO in step S915), the processing proceeds to step S914. In step S916,the terminal apparatus 110 starts transferring the new firmware to thecamera 100.

Next, in step S917, the terminal apparatus 110 performs control todisplay a progress status of the transfer on the display unit 113. Bythe process of step S917, the display unit 113 displays a progressscreen 1003 in FIG. 10C. Next, in step S918, the terminal apparatus 110checks whether the transfer is completed. If it is determined that thetransfer is completed (YES in step S918), the processing proceeds tostep S923. If it is determined that the transfer is not completed (NO instep S918), the processing proceeds to step S917. In step S917, theterminal apparatus 110 continues displaying the progress status of thetransfer while updating the progress status of the transfer. Theterminal apparatus 110 may display the progress status based on thetransmission state of the new firmware from the terminal apparatus 110.The terminal apparatus 110 may receive, from the camera 100 through theBluetooth® Low Energy communication, a reception state of the newfirmware and display the progress status based on the reception state.

In step S919, the camera 100 checks whether the camera 100 has receivedthe new firmware. If the camera 100 has received the new firmware (YESin step S919), the processing proceeds to step S920. If the camera 100has not received the new firmware (NO in step S919), the processingproceeds to step S912. In step S920, the camera 100 performs control todisplay the progress status of the transfer on the display unit 103. Bythe process of step S920, the display unit 103 displays a progressscreen 1103 in FIG. 11C. Next, in step S921, the camera 100 checkswhether the transfer is completed. If it is determined that the transferis completed (YES in step S921), the processing proceeds to step S922.If it is determined that the transfer is not completed (NO in stepS921), the processing proceeds to step S920. In step S920, the camera100 continues displaying the progress status of the transfer whileupdating the progress status of the transfer.

In step S922, the camera 100 performs control to display a transfercompletion screen indicating that the transfer is completed. Next, instep S923, the camera 100 disconnects the Wi-Fi® communication. Theprocesses to be performed by the camera 100 from this point onward aresimilar to the processes of step S510 and thereafter described withreference to FIG. 5. The processes to be performed by the terminalapparatus 110 from this point onward are similar to the processes ofstep S509 and thereafter described with reference to FIG. 5. The rest ofthe configuration and the processing of the update system according tothe second exemplary embodiment is similar to the configuration and theprocessing of the update system according to the first exemplaryembodiment.

As described above, in the update system according to the secondexemplary embodiment, the terminal apparatus 110 temporarily downloadsthe new firmware, and the camera 100 receives the new firmware from theterminal apparatus 110. Also in this case, the progress status of eachprocess is displayed not only on the display unit 103 of the camera 100,but also on the display unit 113 of the terminal apparatus 110. Thus,the user can check, on the terminal apparatus 110, a progress statusregarding the update of the firmware.

In an update system according to a third exemplary embodiment, aterminal apparatus 110 controls an update of firmware of a plurality ofcameras. In the present exemplary embodiment, a description is providedtaking as an example a case where the update of the firmware of twocameras is controlled. Alternatively, three or more cameras may becontrolled.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an update control processaccording to the third exemplary embodiment. FIG. 12 chronologicallyillustrates processes. With reference to FIG. 12, a description isprovided taking as an example a case where the terminal apparatus 110performs an update control process with each of two cameras 100, namelycameras A and B. The terminal apparatus 110 executes processes with thecameras A and B in parallel. As illustrated in FIG. 12, first, theterminal apparatus 110 executes connection processes with the cameras Aand B in parallel. Each of these connection processes of the terminalapparatus 110 corresponds to the processes of steps S401 to S408performed by the terminal apparatus 110 and described with reference toFIG. 4. The two connection processes are performed at the same time.Alternatively, timings of the two connection processes may vary to somedegree based on internal processing time or a state of wirelesscommunication. In response to the processes of the terminal apparatus110, both the cameras A and B perform connection processes. Each ofthese connection processes of the cameras A and B corresponds to theprocesses of steps S401 to S408 performed by the camera 100 anddescribed with reference to FIG. 4.

Next, in step S1201, the terminal apparatus 110 receives a radio wavecondition of each of the cameras A and B. The radio wave condition isinformation regarding radio waves, such as radio field intensity and acommunication rate. The terminal apparatus 110 compares the obtainedradio wave conditions and instructs either of the cameras A and B havinga better radio wave condition to download the firmware. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the terminal apparatus 110 instructs the camera Bto download the firmware. In this case, the terminal apparatus 110starts a download process with the camera B. This download process ofthe terminal apparatus 110 corresponds to the processes of steps S411 toS508 performed by the terminal apparatus 110 and described withreference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In response to this, the camera B alsostarts a download process. This download process of the camera Bcorresponds to the processes of steps S413 to S506 described withreference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The processing of the terminal apparatus 110and the camera 100 in and after the download processes is similar to theprocessing of the terminal apparatus 110 and the camera 100 describedwith reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The terminal apparatus 110 may determine a camera that performs adownload process based on the order of connection to the terminalapparatus 110 or the serial numbers of the cameras 100 instead of theradio wave conditions. The terminal apparatus 110 may randomly determinea camera with which to perform a download process.

If the download process with the camera B is completed, the terminalapparatus 110 displays a firmware update screen (step S509) and performsa subsequent update process (steps S511 to S527 in FIG. 5). In responseto this, the camera B displays a firmware update screen (step S510) andperforms a subsequent update process (steps S513 to S523 in FIG. 5).

At a timing t2 when the terminal apparatus 110 and the camera B displaythe update screens, the terminal apparatus 110 starts a download processwith the camera A (steps S411 to S508). In response to this, the cameraA also starts a download process (steps S413 to S506). Morespecifically, the terminal apparatus 110 starts the download processwith the camera B at a timing t1. If the download process with thecamera B is completed, the terminal apparatus 110 starts the downloadprocess with the camera A at the timing t2. The timing t2 is after thetiming t1. If the download process with the camera A is completed, theterminal apparatus 110 displays an update screen (step S509) andperforms an update process (steps S511 to S527). In response to this,the camera A also displays an update screen (step S510) and performs anupdate process (steps S513 to S523).

By the above processing, at a timing t3 after the timing t2, theterminal apparatus 110 executes the update process with the camera Bwhile executing the download process with the camera A. In this case, asillustrated in FIG. 13, the terminal apparatus 110 performs control todisplay a progress screen 1300, which indicates a progress status of thedownload process with the camera A and a progress status of the updateprocess with the camera B. Consequently, the user can easily grasp theprogress status of the process with each of the cameras. The rest of theconfiguration and the processing of the update system according to thethird exemplary embodiment is similar to the configurations and theprocessing of the update systems according to the other exemplaryembodiments.

As described above, in the update system according to the thirdexemplary embodiment, the single terminal apparatus 110 can manage thefirmware of the plurality of cameras 100 in a unified manner. Theplurality of cameras 100 do not simultaneously access the serverapparatus 130 and download the new firmware. Thus, it is possible toprevent interference in wireless communication and lengthening of adownload time.

In an update system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment, in acase where a plurality of cameras 100 download new firmware, the cameras100 share the new firmware so that all the cameras 100 do not need todownload the new firmware from the server apparatus 130. In this case,an example is described where two cameras are used. Alternatively, threeor more cameras may be used.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an update control processaccording to the fourth exemplary embodiment. First, each of theterminal apparatus 110 and the cameras A and B executes the connectionprocess (steps S401 to S406). Then, in step S1401, the terminalapparatus 110 transmits, to the camera B, a download request to downloadthe new firmware. The terminal apparatus 110 requests the camera A tosend Wi-Fi® information to the terminal apparatus 110. In response tothis request, in step S1402, the camera A transmits the Wi-Fi®information to the terminal apparatus 110 and enters a Wi-Fi® connectionwaiting state. The Wi-Fi® information may not be transmitted at thistiming. While, in the present exemplary embodiment, the terminalapparatus 110 transmits, to the camera B, the download request todownload the new firmware, a transmission destination of the downloadrequest may be the camera A. The terminal apparatus 110 may determinethe transmission destination of the download request according to theWi-Fi® radio wave condition and the like of each of the cameras.

If receiving the download request, the camera B executes a downloadprocess. This download process corresponds to the processes of stepsS409 to S506 described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. At this time,the terminal apparatus 110 also executes a download process. Thisdownload process of the terminal apparatus 110 corresponds to theprocesses of steps S410 to S508 described with reference to FIGS. 4 and5. Consequently, the camera B downloads the new firmware from the serverapparatus 130. If the download is completed, in step S1403, the terminalapparatus 110 displays a transfer screen for receiving a userinstruction whether to transfer the new firmware from the camera B tothe camera A. Then, if it is determined that the terminal apparatus 110has received a transfer start instruction (YES in step S1403), theprocessing proceeds to step S1404.

In step S1404, the terminal apparatus 110 transmits the Wi-Fi®information of the camera A to the camera B. Next, in step S1405, thecameras A and B make a Wi-Fi® connection with each other via the AP 120.Next, in step S1406, the camera B starts transferring the new firmwareto the camera A. Next, in step S1407, the camera B transmits a progressstatus of transfer to the terminal apparatus 110. Next, in step S1408,the camera B performs control to display the progress status of thetransfer. Next, in step S1409, the camera B checks whether the transferis completed. If the transfer is not completed (NO in step S1409), theprocessing proceeds to step S1407. If the transfer is completed (YES instep S1409), the processing proceeds to step S1410. In step S1410, thecamera B transmits, to the terminal apparatus 110, a completionnotification that the transfer is completed. After the process of stepS1410, the processing proceeds to step S510 (FIG. 5).

If the transfer is started in step S1406, in step S1411, the camera Atransmits a progress status of the transfer to the terminal apparatus110. The processes of steps S1412 to S1414 are similar to the processesof steps S1408 to S1410. After the process of step S1414, the processingproceeds to step S510 (FIG. 5).

If the progress status of the transfer is received in steps S1407 andS1411, in step S1415, the terminal apparatus 110 performs control todisplay the progress status of the transfer. Next, in step S1416, theterminal apparatus 110 checks whether the terminal apparatus 110 hasreceived a completion notification from each of the cameras A and B. Ifit is determined that the terminal apparatus 110 has received thecompletion notification from each of the cameras A and B (YES in stepS1416), the processing proceeds to step S509 (FIG. 5). If it isdetermined that the terminal apparatus 110 has not received thecompletion notification from each of the cameras A and B (NO in stepS1416), the processing proceeds to step S1415. The rest of theconfiguration and the processing of the update system according to thefourth exemplary embodiment is similar to the configurations and theprocessing of the update systems according to the other exemplaryembodiments.

As described above, in the update system according to the fourthexemplary embodiment, only a single camera downloads the new firmwarefrom the server apparatus 130, and the new firmware downloaded by thesingle camera can be shared with other cameras.

As a modification of the fourth exemplary embodiment, after the downloadprocess of the camera B is completed, based on a user operation, forexample, the camera B may not transfer the new firmware to the camera Aand may perform an update process for updating the firmware of thecamera B.

While the present disclosure has been described in detail based on itssuitable exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited tothese specific exemplary embodiments. The present disclosure alsoincludes various forms without departing from the spirit and the scopeof the disclosure. Parts of the above exemplary embodiments can beappropriately combined together.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment(s) can also be realized by a computer of a system orapparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions(e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which mayalso be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits(e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performingthe functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), andby a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing the computer executable instructionsfrom the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or morecircuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g.,central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and mayinclude a network of separate computers or separate processors to readout and execute the computer executable instructions. The computerexecutable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example,from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include,for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), aread only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, anoptical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD),or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and thelike.

While exemplary embodiments have been described, it is to be understoodthat the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplaryembodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded thebroadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications andequivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2017-140122, filed Jul. 19, 2017, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication apparatus comprising: a firstwireless communication unit configured to communicate with a camerausing a first wireless communication method; a second wirelesscommunication unit configured to communicate with the camera using asecond wireless communication method; a third wireless communicationunit configured to communicate with a server apparatus using a thirdwireless communication method; and a control unit, wherein the controlunit controls receipt of update information from the server apparatusvia the third wireless communication unit, wherein the control unitdetermines whether new firmware is present based on the updateinformation, wherein, in a case where the control unit determines thatnew firmware is present, the control unit notifies a user of thepresence of the new firmware, wherein, in a case where the control unitreceives an instruction to download firmware from the user, the controlunit controls the third wireless communication unit to download the newfirmware from the server apparatus and displays a first progress barindicating a progress of the download of the new firmware during thedownload of the new firmware, wherein, in a case where the control unitreceives an instruction to update firmware from the camera via the firstwireless communication unit after the download of the new firmware isfinished, the control unit transmits the downloaded new firmware to thecamera via the second wireless communication unit and displays a secondprogress bar indicating a progress of the transmission of the newfirmware during the transmission of the new firmware, wherein powerconsumption of the first wireless communication unit is lower than powerconsumption of the second wireless communication unit, wherein acommunication area of the third wireless communication unit is longerthan communication areas of the second wireless communication unit andfirst wireless communication unit, wherein the download of the newfirmware from the server apparatus by the third wireless communicationunit is performed while the communication apparatus and the camera arepaired by the first wireless communication method, wherein a connectionbetween the communication apparatus and the camera via the secondwireless communication unit is established based on information that isreceived from the camera via the first wireless communication unit,wherein the information includes an SSID, wherein the connection betweenthe communication apparatus and the camera via the second wirelesscommunication unit is established after the download of the new firmwareis finished, and wherein the first progress bar and the second progressbar are displayed distinguishably from each other.
 2. The communicationapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit receives aprogress status of an update process using the new firmware.
 3. Thecommunication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein aftercommunication performed by the second communication unit isdisconnected, an update process is started.
 4. The communicationapparatus according to claim 3, wherein, after the update process isfinished, the control unit stores the new firmware.
 5. The communicationapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls thefirst communication unit to receive the firmware of the camera, andwherein in a case where the information of the firmware of the cameraand the update information received from the server apparatus via thethird wireless communication unit are different, the control unitdetermines that new firmware is present.
 6. The communication apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the first progress bar and the secondprogress bar are same figure in display as each other and distinguishedfrom each other based on characters displayed on a same screen.
 7. Thecommunication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the charactersdisplayed to distinguish the first progress bar and the second progressbar are displayed above the first progress bar and the second progressbar.
 8. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, whereinprogress is displayed as a percentage together with the first progressbar and the second progress bar.
 9. The communication apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the first progress bar is not displayedwhen the download of the new firmware is finished.
 10. An informationprocessing method executed by a communication apparatus including afirst wireless communication unit configured to communicate with acamera using a first wireless communication method, a second wirelesscommunication unit configured to communicate with the camera using asecond wireless communication method and a third wireless communicationunit configured to communicate with a server apparatus using a thirdwireless communication method, the information processing methodcomprising: receiving update information from the server apparatus viathe third wireless communication unit; determining whether new firmwareis present based on the update information, notifying a user of thepresence of the new firmware in a case where it is determined that newfirmware is present; controlling the third wireless communication unitto download the new firmware from the server apparatus and displaying afirst progress bar indicating a progress of the download of the newfirmware during the download of the new firmware in a case where aninstruction to download firmware is received from the user;transmitting, in a case where an instruction to update firmware isreceived from the camera via the first wireless communication unit afterthe download of the new firmware is finished, the downloaded newfirmware to the camera via the second wireless communication unit; anddisplaying a second progress bar indicating a progress of thetransmission of the new firmware during the transmission of the newfirmware; wherein power consumption of the first wireless communicationunit is lower than power consumption of the second wirelesscommunication unit, wherein a communication area of the third wirelesscommunication unit is longer than communication areas of the secondwireless communication unit and first wireless communication unit,wherein the download of the new firmware from the server apparatus bythe third wireless communication unit is performed while thecommunication apparatus and the camera are paired by the first wirelesscommunication method, wherein a connection between the communicationapparatus and the camera via the second wireless communication unit isestablished based on information that is received from the camera viathe first wireless communication unit, wherein the information includesan SSID, wherein the connection between the communication apparatus andthe camera via the second wireless communication unit is establishedafter the download of the new firmware is finished, and wherein thefirst progress bar and the second progress bar are displayeddistinguishably from each other.
 11. The information processing methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising: receiving a progress statusof an update process using the new firmware.
 12. The informationprocessing method according to claim 10, wherein an update process isstarted after communication performed by the second communication unitis disconnected.
 13. The information processing method according toclaim 12, wherein, after the update process is finished, information ofthe new firmware is stored.
 14. The information processing methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising: controlling the firstwireless communication unit to receive information of the firmware ofthe camera, and determining that new firmware is present in a case wherethe information of the firmware of the camera and the update informationreceived from the server apparatus via the third wireless communicationunit are different.
 15. The information processing method according toclaim 10, wherein the first progress bar and the second progress bar aresame figure in display as each other and distinguished from each otherbased on characters displayed on a same screen.
 16. The informationprocessing method according to claim 15, wherein the charactersdisplayed to distinguish the first progress bar and the second progressbar are displayed above the first progress bar and the second progressbar.
 17. The information processing method according to claim 10,wherein progress is displayed as a percentage together with the firstprogress bar and the second progress bar.
 18. The information processingmethod according to claim 10, wherein the first progress bar is notdisplayed when the download of the new firmware is finished.
 19. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium which stores a programfor causing a communication apparatus including a first wirelesscommunication unit configured to communicate with a camera using a firstwireless communication method, a second wireless communication unitconfigured to communicate with the camera using a second wirelesscommunication method, and a third wireless communication unit configuredto communicate with a server apparatus using a third wirelesscommunication method to execute a method, the method comprising:receiving update information from the server apparatus via the thirdwireless communication unit, determining whether new firmware is presentbased on the update information, notifying a user of the presence of thenew firmware in a case where it is determined that new firmware ispresent, controlling the third wireless communication unit to downloadthe new firmware from the server apparatus and displaying a firstprogress bar indicating a progress of the download of the new firmwareduring the download of the new firmware in a case where an instructionto download firmware is received from the user, transmitting, in a casewhere an instruction to update firmware is received from the camera viathe first wireless communication unit after the download of the newfirmware is finished, the downloaded new firmware to the camera via thesecond wireless communication unit, and displaying a second progress barindicating a progress of the transmission of the new firmware during thetransmission of the new firmware, wherein power consumption of the firstwireless communication unit is lower than power consumption of thesecond wireless communication unit, wherein a communication area of thethird wireless communication unit is longer than communication areas ofthe second wireless communication unit and first wireless communicationunit, wherein the download of the new firmware from the server apparatusby the third wireless communication unit is performed while thecommunication apparatus and the camera are paired by the first wirelesscommunication method, wherein a connection between the communicationapparatus and the camera via the second wireless communication unit isestablished based on information that is received from the camera viathe first wireless communication unit, wherein the information includesan SSID, wherein the connection between the communication apparatus andthe camera via the second wireless communication unit is establishedafter the download of the new firmware is finished, and wherein thefirst progress bar and the second progress bar are displayeddistinguishably from each other.
 20. A mobile terminal comprising: afirst wireless communication unit configured to communicate with acamera using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE); a second wirelesscommunication unit configured to communicate with the camera using aWi-Fi; a third wireless communication unit configured to communicatewith a server using a public telephone network; and a control unit,wherein, if the mobile terminal and the camera are paired using BLE, thecontrol unit controls receipt of update information of the Bluetoothpaired camera from the server apparatus via the public telephonenetwork, wherein the control unit determines whether new firmware ispresent based on the update information, wherein, in a case where thecontrol unit determines that new firmware is present, the control unitnotifies a user of the presence of the new firmware, wherein, in a casewhere the control unit receives an instruction to download firmware fromthe notified user while the mobile terminal and the camera are pairedusing BLE and are not connected using Wi-Fi, the control unit controlsthe third wireless communication unit to download the new firmware fromthe server apparatus and displays a first progress bar indicating aprogress of the download of the new firmware during the download of thenew firmware, wherein, in a case where the control unit receives aninstruction to update firmware from the camera via the BLE after thedownload of the new firmware is finished, the control unit transmits thedownloaded new firmware to the camera via the Wi-Fi and displays asecond progress bar indicating a progress of the transmission of the newfirmware during the transmission of the new firmware, wherein theconnection between the communication apparatus and the camera via thesecond wireless communication unit is established after the download ofthe new firmware is finished, and wherein a connection between thecommunication apparatus and the camera via the Wi-Fi is establishedbased on an SSID that is received from the camera via the BLE, andwherein the first progress bar and the second progress bar are displayeddistinguishably from each other.
 21. The communication apparatusaccording to claim 20, wherein after communication performed by thesecond communication unit is disconnected, an update process is started.22. The communication apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the firstprogress bar and the second progress bar are same figure in display aseach other and distinguished from each other based on charactersdisplayed on a same screen.
 23. The communication apparatus according toclaim 20, wherein progress is displayed as a percentage together withthe first progress bar and the second progress bar.
 24. The informationprocessing method according to claim 20, wherein the first progress barand the second progress bar are same figure in display as each other anddistinguished from each other based on characters displayed on a samescreen.
 25. The communication apparatus according to claim 24, whereinthe characters displayed to distinguish the first progress bar and thesecond progress bar are displayed above the first progress bar and thesecond progress bar.
 26. The communication apparatus according to claim20, wherein the first progress bar is not displayed when the download ofthe new firmware is finished.